2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the blandness often associated with midsize SUVs. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive grille gave it a commanding presence. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its appeal. The XSE trim introduced a sportier look with aggressive styling and 20-inch wheels, while the Limited trim offered an upscale feel with chrome accents and a luxurious interior featuring tan leather seats and wood details.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a unique appearance with its blunt nose and floating roof design. Despite its bold styling, the swollen haunches and flared quarter panels could overwhelm the design. The Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, with pricing ranging from $38,410 to $48,365. The Limited trim offered a premium feel with leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, but some interior elements felt cheap, such as the instrument-panel shroud.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth and reliable performance, suitable for merging onto highways but not for racing. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, however, used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 horsepower. It achieved impressive fuel efficiency, rated at 36 mpg combined. While the Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, it lacked driving excitement, with a strained engine sound during acceleration and lifeless steering. The regenerative brakes improved over previous models, but the ride could become sloppy on uneven roads.

The 2021 Highlander offered practical interior features, including large shelves for storage and a wireless charging pad. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, but third-row seating was cramped. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating with power adjustments and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow. The third row was uncomfortable for adults, and storage was less generous than previous models. Cargo space matched the non-hybrid version, with 84.3 cubic feet available when seats were folded.

The 2021 Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. It included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but navigation struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system was decent, but the large screen's limited app display raised questions about its value.

The Highlander Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims, offering a JBL audio system and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. The JBL system's sound quality varied, and Driver Easy Speak technology facilitated communication with rear passengers. A video rearview mirror provided a clear view behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Highlander boasted Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, intersection support, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The Highlander Hybrid shared the TSS 2.5+ suite, adding emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had some quirks, but overall safety features were effective. It received a five-star NHTSA rating and was expected to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.